Haye out for revenge and a world title

David Haye can rid himself of his demons and claim a prestigious world title fight all in one fell swoop at East London's packed-out York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday night.

The personable former world amateur medallist was robbed of his chance to fight in the 2000 Olympics by awkward Italian Giacobbe Fragomeni in a final qualifier.

And on Friday it is Fragomeni, unbeaten in 21 fights as a pro, who stands between Haye and a springtime crack at the WBC world cruiserweight crown held by American O'Neil Bell.

The WBC have tabbed the fight as a final eliminator and in the process Haye is also defending his European title.

But to reach the world title fight he has to get past the squat, shaven-skulled man from Milan who is the strong, silent type. No predictions, just that he's here "for a war".

South Londoner Haye, who has plans to go on and take the heavyweight division by storm, is boxing's future, according to promoter Frank Maloney.

The former manager of Lennox Lewis said: "David has got the personality that appeals to the fans and he could become Britain's ultimate fighting star. We've seen Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe lead the way as big fight figures and now it's time for a new type of fighter. David can be that big star."

Haye is planning a late stoppage, believing that Fragomeni is too tough to roll over early on. He said: "Of course I want revenge for the amateur defeat which still rankles because I believe that I won that fight, even though the decision went against me 11-1.

"But this time it's 12 rounds and not four and I'm going to knock him out.

"His game plan will be to come on strong in the second half of the fight, believing that I will fade. But if I don't he is in a world of trouble."

Haye's best win to date was a sensational first round knockout of European champion Alexander Gurov but the 26-year-old south London fighter knows the same result is hardly likely.

Though he will have a six-inch height advantage, Haye will have to out-box the Italian and do enough damage to have it won by the eighth round.

Fragomeni turned pro late in life and is now 37. It is hard to see how he can match Haye over the 12-round distance even though he has fought with honour all around the world when he was a top-rated amateur.